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This week’s legislative focus included school safety, financial literacy, special education funding, and student rights. Bills on adding nurses to the BEST program, restricting flavored tobacco, and revising graduation requirements were discussed. With the February 21 deadline approaching, staying engaged is key. Read on for details and upcoming hearings.

Inspired by Margaret Mead’s words, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world,” this update highlights key education bills, funding priorities, and ways you can engage in shaping the future of education.. Principals are making their voices heard, and you can too—join us for Day on the Hill on February 10th to advocate for our schools and students.

This week’s legislative update honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s reminder that meaningful change requires persistence and advocacy. Key highlights include debates on K-12 funding, student mental health, and financial literacy, alongside a focus on the "Big 3" funding issues of special education, MSOC, and transportation. Principals are making their voices heard, and you can too—join us for Day on the Hill on February 10th to advocate for our schools and students.

The 2025 legislative session kicks off on Monday, January 13th and along with a new year, as usual, comes lots of changes. 2025 will be a long, 105-day session where over 2,000 bills will be introduced, and where the biennial operating, capital, and transportation budgets will be adopted by the Legislature and signed by Governor-Elect Bob Ferguson. The session is expected to end by the end of April.

The leaders of Washington’s statewide organizations representing parents and families, teachers, principals, classified school employees, superintendents, school board members, and our state superintendent have four top priorities for supporting Washington’s students this legislative session. Read their joint statement.